NBC Renews “Hannibal” for a Second Season

Series rebooting the legend of Hannibal Lecter gets extended lifetime

Many would have bet good money that “Hannibal,” one of NBC’s most ambitious recent projects, would get the axe after ratings for it dropped surprisingly low. Entertainment Weekly reports that the network has just ordered a second season.

In all fairness, despite the disappointing ratings, “Hannibal” got very glowing reviews, so perhaps network bosses believe it still stands a good chance at picking up the pace.

“We’re so proud of Bryan [Fuller]’s vision for a show that is richly textured, psychologically complex, and very compelling. There are many great stories still to be told,” NBC entertainment president Jennifer Salke says.

“Hannibal averaged 4.7 million viewers and a 2.0 rating when including seven days of DVR, likely making it the lowest-rated drama to get renewed among the major broadcast networks this season. NBC points out that its rating by this measurement is actually 75 percent higher than its overnight rating, demonstrating rather steep weekly growth from DVR use,” EW writes.

Above is an extended trailer for the first season. *Viewer discretion is advised because of graphic images of violence that might offend.